(imagine Bianca's mini-soft voice "whisper screaming" here)
"Grampy???"
"Grrrraaaampy?"
"GRAMPY!"
This is what I heard the first dreaded morning after the in-laws left only hours before little B woke up at her 5am routine time. You see, Grampy had been here 10 previous mornings, and he was ready to roll at that 5am time everyday. With bells on. She would stand at the top of the stairs and whisper-yell this to the bottom, when he would oblige kindly by bringing her downstairs to the couch. They would share little stories, whispers, and lemon-massages (yes, Bianca got leg rubs every morning) for the next quiet hour while everyone remained upstairs. Quiet Grampy time. I could hear them downstairs, but I didn't have the heart to go interrupt (and I got to actually shower). At times Veronica would chime in and get to participate as well.
But on the morning following the departure of Nana and Grampy, there was nobody but 'ole Momma to get up with the girls. I told Bianca, "Grampy is gone, B." She gave the most pitiful look and decided getting up at 5am only to have Momma awaiting was not near as good as Grampy. It was a rough day.
The visit of Nana and Grampy was basically a whirlwind of fun times: including but no limited to mall shopping, ice cream runs, and pool dates. Every kids' dream. But our third culture kids aren't like "every kid". For them, simply
seeing Nana and Grampy makes them feel like princesses.
Which is sad, really. Bianca gets so worked up prior to their arrival. Then once they arrive, she's not quite sure how to react or act around them. She seems confused, regresses, and then over-compensates. It's a cycle and confusion of emotions that I have found seems to be "normal" for expat kids after talking to other families. POOF - here's family you see maybe twice a year.... now act like normal children do who see grandparents every week or two..... not happening. But overall they were pretty good and just wanted nothing more than to be loved and feel like every other grandkid who sees grandparents on a normal basis.
Bianca got her "special day" with Nana and Grampy. She got to go see her first movie in a theatre. Who better than professionals to break her in??? Nana was impressed with her ability to put back 3/4 of her own popcorn box.
We got to go to the aquarium at Dubai Mall, followed up by dinner at Rainforest Cafe - a personal favorite for Bianca. She loved all the animals.
I think the hardest part for Nana was little Vivi not being too "open" to cuddling up. Vivi has always been a "Momma's Girl" and it takes quite a while for her to turn to anyone else. When you are a grandparent and your grandchildren do not know who you are, it's tough. Downright painful, actually. Vivi has only seen her grandparents
maybe 4-5 times in her little life, so it was tough opening up... but once she got used to the ice creams and beanbag story times, she thought they were pretty cool. As she gets older and recognizes them, I think it will be better.
Vivi had her special day, too. A nice cruise on the Marina.
By the end of the 10 days, the kids were ready to evict mom and dad and have Nana & Grampy live in full time. But like all things, it had to come to an end.
(vivi eating....)
Nana and Grampy.... I hope you know how much we appreciate the time you spent here. It may have only been a short visit, but the time will forever be in our memories and stories to pass for years. I don't think any girl could have gotten as lucky as I have with their in-laws. Our love for you is extends greater than the Berj Khalifa (hahahaha).
Until we see you again, you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We love you.
